Shetland & Orkney
Rural technology adoption
Lead Organisation
Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council
Location
Scotland
A place-based approach to adopting new technologies in rural areas
In Shetland, a new pilot is testing how community hubs can support low carbon living while improving everyday life.
Based at Brae Youth and Community Centre, the hub offers a warm, energy-efficient space with drop-in energy advice, e-bike hire, EV charging, a car club and co-working area. The building has been upgraded with insulation, solar panels, battery storage and smart heaters so residents can see low carbon technologies in action.
Across Orkney and Shetland, the team is also trialling new services that future hubs could offer, including retrofit advice, drone deliveries and charging for electric buses, refuse vehicles and ferries.
Led by Aquatera, Community Energy Scotland, the European Marine Energy Centre and both island councils, the project draws on Shetland’s strong community networks and Orkney’s energy expertise to create a model other rural areas can adapt and use.
Find out more
If you are interested in learning how to transform your community, town or city, then read the Citizen Engagement on Net Zero report. If you would like to speak to someone about this project, contact the Net Zero Living team.